Open AccessGastric pneumatosis intestinalis associated with malignancy: An unusual case report
Author(s) -
Ahmet Bılıcı,
Berrin Karadağ,
Alper Döventaş,
Mesut Şeker
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.15.758
Subject(s) - malignancy , pneumatosis intestinalis , medicine , gastroenterology , adenocarcinoma , duodenum , gastrointestinal tract , disease , differential diagnosis , pathology , cancer
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an uncommon disease defined as gas-filled cysts that are found in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The exact causes of PI are still unclear, but it may associated with coexisting diseases, such as some GI disorders, connective tissue disease, some medication and drugs, and rarely malignancy. The most common localization is the small intestine. Gastric PI secondary to malignancy has been rarely documented. We report on a 94-year-old man with gastric PI associated with inoperable adenocarcinoma localized in the duodenum. Following the gastrojejunostomy and choledochojejunostomy bypass, his general condition improved and PI disappeared, but he died due to poor performance status and malignancy 6 mo later. We suggest that in patients presenting with PI, malignancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis.